Deane slams 'intolerant' government
Former governor-general Sir William Deane has criticised the federal government's human rights record, labelling the Liberal leadership intolerant and untruthful.
In a speech to the University of Queensland business, economic and law graduates, Sir William urged young Australians to be vigilant in fighting against injustice and falsehood.
He referred to the children overboard controversy, mandatory detention and the continued imprisonment of two suspected Australian terrorists as challenges to truth and justice.
"The challenge, never to be indifferent in the face of injustice or falsehood encompasses the challenge to advance the truth and human dignity rather than seek advantage ... and intolerance," he said.
"Who of us can easily forget the untruths of the children overboard (affair) or the abuse of the basic rights of innocent children by incarceration behind Woomera's razor wire."
Sir William, who received an honorary doctorate, also referred to the imprisonment of suspected terrorists David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib at the American Camp X-Ray in Cuba.
He said people should not forget the fundamental responsibility of a democratic government to seek to safeguard the human rights of all its citizens.
That included "the unpopular and alleged wrongdoers in the case of two Australians indefinitely caged without even a charge or process in the Guantanamo Bay jail".
Sir William said challenges to future leaders were the protection of multicultural Australia, the rights of the "have-nots" and the environment.
But importantly they must also ensure justice was served.
"If the coming generations of leaders refuses to honestly confront the denial of justice or truth ... our nation will surely lose its way," he said.
Prime Minister John Howard this morning rejected Sir William's criticism: "I don't agree with him. I can only react to the report of what he said.
"Whether he actually said all of those things I don't know because I have not seen the speech."
Mr Howard said he had not sought advantage by inflaming ugly prejudice and intolerance with his policies on asylum seekers.
"Any suggestion that my government inflames prejudice is one that I totally and comprehensively reject," he said.
Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson today said Sir William's comments belonged in the political domain.
"I've not directly heard those (comments)," Mr Anderson told ABC Radio.
"I think the only general comment I would make is that they sound very much as though commentary that belong in the political domain.
"And as to whether or not, even though the position is no longer occupied - the governor-general - as to how they (the comments) might reflect on the office, I must say I have a reservation or two."
When asked what he meant, Mr Anderson said: "That's all I have to say".
The Age, May 30 2003